Women’s A Grade Round 1 and 2 Recap
24 Apr, 2025
Round 1
The 2024 B Grade premiers, Bullcreek Leeming, saw their A Grade debut in round 1 against North Fremantle, who ended last season 6th on the ladder in A Grade. It was a slow start to the match, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. North Fremantle broke the impasse, but it wasn’t until the final 5 minutes of the quarter that the game came to life. A nice kick found its mark, delivering the first goal of the game for North Fremantle. Riding that momentum, they followed up just 90 seconds later with another goal, taking control of the game.
North Fremantle continued to build on their lead early in the second, adding a goal within the first three minutes, showing Bullcreek what A Grade is all about. Bullcreek Leeming began to find their footing, scoring 2 goals midway through the quarter. However, North Fremantle held their lead heading into the main break, 19-12. North Fremantle secured their fourth goal of the game in the 3rd quarter, extending their lead.
North Fremantle went into the final quarter with a 13-point lead, but Bullcreek Leeming was determined to show they belonged in A Grade and fought to close the margin with a quick behind. North Fremantle answered with a behind of their own, keeping the gap steady. In an exciting final 3 minutes, Bullcreek Leeming surged late with two goals. Despite their determination, North Fremantle held on to claim an incredibly close victory, winning 26 to 25.
Final Score:
North Fremantle: 26 (4.2)
Bullcreek Leeming: 25 (4.1)
Round 2
Baldivis made their A Grade debut against Melville, who, after a strong 2024 season, unfortunately lost last year’s premiership to Wembley. Baldivis showed that their rise to A Grade was well worth it after keeping steady pressure on Melville in the first quarter and continued it in the second quarter, managing to hold a solid lead into half-time with 21-12.
Baldivis came out firing after halftime, with a goal from the boundary line to kick things off. A scuffle in the goal square ended in another goal for Baldivis, extending their lead. Melville finally broke through with a perfectly placed free kick for their second goal of the game, showing their determination. However, Baldivis answered with another goal, widening the margin once more. A final effort before the siren saw the wind change a potential goal into a behind, concluding a dominant quarter for Baldivis.
Trailing by 27 points at the start of the final quarter, Melville came out fighting, landing the first goal in a determined effort for a comeback. However, Baldivis quickly answered with a goal of their own to maintain control. Melville kept pressing but couldn’t find the goal they needed. A fumbled handball resulted in another goal for Baldivis. Still fighting until the end, Melville managed to secure one final goal late in the quarter, a small reward for their grit. But in the end, Baldivis’ steady performance throughout the game sealed their win, showing their determination to dominate the A Grade for the 2025 season by beating the 2024 runners-up by an impressive 24 points.
Final Score:
Baldivis: 58 (8.10)
Melville: 34 (5.4)
